Getting Prepared in Region 5 Barbara Grice, MS, CHES Marge Heim, APRN, BC DHEC Public Health Region 5 South Carolina

Public Health Region 5 Our region serves six counties with a population of 303,474 and covers approximately 3,908 squares miles.

Community History  Conducted a comprehensive MAPP (Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships) Assessment to understand community issues and public health priorities.  Primarily rural communities with 5 counties that have a minority population higher than the state at 31 percent.  Strong partnerships for integrating all hazards preparedness into public health activities.  Large clinic sites in Aiken and Orangeburg.

Pilot Counties Aiken County  Population 143,201  Minority Population 28%  Poverty Rate 13.8% SC 14.0% 41.9% of children in single families live in poverty Orangeburg County  Population 91,337  Minority Population 63 %  Poverty Rate 21.4% SC 14.0 % 40.0 % of children in single families live in poverty

Partnerships  Work collaboratively with Edisto Health Coalition to educate the public regarding all hazards preparedness.  Work through the WIC program to inform and educate clients.  Work with the Public Health Preparedness Director to link all appropriate activities together. Goal: To improve the public health system and create a network to sustain public health preparedness education in the community.

Using MAPP to Support What We Do.  Use MAPP priorities from the assessment areas to address the needs of our underserved clients and community members.  Use Public Health Preparedness GIS data to target areas in the community.  Utilize our Spanish speaking Health Educator to provide linguistically appropriate services.

Project Description  This project will build on existing partnerships to establish an All Hazards awareness programs in local churches, schools and community groups. “Families Getting Ready”  Linkage to our WIC program will allow us to educate clients and have them complete a family plan.

Project Description (continued)  Target population identified through MAPP and internal program audits.  Population served by our health department clinics and community educate efforts.  Partnerships established and receptive to implement activities.  Relationship with target audience established and health education and WIC outreach conducted regularly.

Objectives  Discuss objectives with local partners, train partners and implement the “Families Getting Ready” program.  Conduct WIC education classes and have participants complete their family plan.  Use pre/post test to capture level of knowledge.  Reinforce with PSA’s and community awareness announcements to partners and citizens.  Track number of participants developing plans and gathering supplies.

Local Activities Supporting Preparedness  Health Events  Train-the-trainer sessions.  Professional Forums.  Community and WIC Client Education.

Supporting Activities  Link with other Public Health Preparedness activities to provide resources to community partners.  Train church members to conduct information sessions and complete family plans with groups.  Quarterly and final reports to partners, health department staff and our performance management team.

Opportunities to Improve Public Health Preparedness:  Community All Hazards education efforts.  Enhanced communication and collaboration between agencies and health care providers to address preparedness issues impacting health.  Collaboration between colleges / universities and community organizations to incorporate preparedness education into existing activities.  Partnering to support community health activities.  Opportunity to decrease duplication of services and educational efforts.

Conclusion  Multi-disciplinary team approach for planning, development and implementation of all activities.  Multiple channels for information distribution.  Messages targeted for specific populations and geographic areas.  Benefits health efforts in the community and heightens health department credibility.  Efforts can be replicated in other regions in South Carolina.